[GJ53 DGO]

Originally Posted by Avulon

So what you're saying is that the HGV was following the vehicle in front too closely. Forcing him into a dangerous overtake because he couldn't stop in time.

There's no rule to say that you can't emerge from a side road if there's traffic approaching, that would be ridiculous - every city centre would be in perma gridlock. If it is safe and clear to do so then it is fine.



Rules 170 and 172 cover the van driver's obligations.
(relevant portions only)



170 is a 'should' rule so not enforceable directly, and would probably only go against a driver contravening in the case of an actual accident when apportioning blame (in court).


172 is a 'Must' If the driver was confident that the approaching vehicle really was turning left at the junction (and it did QED) then he can make a fair judgement as to whether he can clear the junction in time. I.e. turn onto the left side of the road he's turning right onto fully so as not to be blocking the opposing lane. Given rule 172 he has no expectation of the HGV driver moving into that lane to overtake the turning vehicle.

If we all pulled out in front of traffic that is on a main road then of course there would be gridlock as everyone would be embedded in other vehicles, pulling out in front of oncoming vehicles is a moronic thing to do whether they are overtaking or not and whether they are in the right or wrong. Its beggars belief people are actually defending this kind of behaviour. No I did not say the HGV was following to closely, I said it is important to an HGV to keep the vehicle moving as it is costly and time consuming to slow the vehicle and get it moving again in fuel, time and wear and tear on the vehicle, all of which are important to an HGV driver and their company and other road users who are held up behind slow HGVs. As for rule 172 if we are going by the rule book (how many motorists have read it recently let alone be able to quote it!) says give way to traffic on the main road...it doesn't specify which direction that traffic needs to be coming from and in which lane. it says "GIVE WAY to traffic on the main road" and not "give way to traffic on the main road unless it is overtaking a slower vehicle in which case pull out in front of it and potentially cause a huge pile up with many fiery deaths"